How do I book an appointment?
Please click the Book Sessions tab which will redirect you to our outside booking platform. This platform is also used to rebook or cancel appointments. Please note, however, that the booking platform is NOT used to connect you in your virtual online psychotherapy sessions. Your video video link will be sent to you separately.
What technology do I need for online therapy?
You need access to a computer, phone, or tablet that has the ability to connect via both video/audio - and we ask that you remain on camera for sessions.
What if I need to cancel or re-schedule my session?
For either group or individual sessions, please give at least 48 hours notice. For eiher group or individual sessions if you cancel within 24 hours of your appointment time you will be charged for a missed session. You can use the Book Session button or click the appropriate link in the email you got confirming your session to cancel or rebook. For group sessions, please note that your absence can affect the group experience, so we ask that you make every effort to be available for all sessions. At the discretion of the therapist a client who misses a session may be able to attend another group. This is not guaranteed, however. (This policy is subject to change at any time; if changes occur, clients will be notified.)
Will you be my primary care provider?
Renewing Mind Psychotherapy does not provide primary care servcices or act as your GP. If you need help finding a primary care provider, please see the Mental Health Resources page which has information on getting connected to a GP.
Will you prescribe my psychiatric medications/ manage my overall psychiatric care?
Renewing Mind Psychotherapy offers psychotherapy only. If you need to connect with a psychiatrist/ psychiatric team or get support for overall management of your psychiatric care, please see the Mental Health Resources page which has information that may help you to do so.
Can other people attend my GROUP session or be present/ within hearing or visual range while I am having a GROUP session?? In short, no. Family members or other individuals should not be the same room or in hearing/ visual range (to provide for privacy and to respect other group members). We also ask clients utlize quiet spaces (to promote easy communication). Aim for a quiet private space so you can get the most out of your session.
Can other people attend my INDIVIDUAL session or be present/ within hearing or visual range while I am having a INDIVIDUAL session?? In short, no. Family members or other individuals should not be the same room or in hearing/ visual range. We also ask clients utlize quiet spaces (to promote easy communication). Aim for a quiet private space so you can get the most out of your session.
Are group sessions covered by third-party insurance - or provincial based insurance such as OHIP (in Ontario) / MSP (in British Columbia)? Unfortunately group therapy is generally not covered by third-party insurance or provincial-based insurance plans such as OHIP or MSP. That said, you may wish to discuss with your extended health insurance plan to find out exactly what they cover. Additionally NPs cannot currently bill OHIP or MSP. Thus, for most clients, sessions would be “out of pocket/ private pay.” You will receive a receipt if you wish to send it to an insurance provider. Clients with a health care spending account or a wellness benefit may also wish to contact those services to see if those services may provide reimbursement. Please discuss with your insurance provider(s) directly.
Are individual sessions covered by third-party insurance - or provincial based insurance such as OHIP (in Ontario) / MSP (in British Columbia)? Unfortunately nurse-provided counseling is generally not covered by third-party insurance. That said, you may wish to discuss with your extended health insurance plan to find out exactly what they cover. Additionally NPs cannot currently bill OHIP or MSP. Thus, for most clients, individual sessions would be “out of pocket/ private pay.” You will receive a receipt if you wish to send it to an insurance provider. Clients with a health care spending account or a wellness benefit may also wish to contact those services to see if those services may provide reimbursement. Please discuss with your insurance provider(s) directly.
Are your services confidential? Yes we maintain client/therapist confidentiality. However, there are exceptions under which a therapist may be obligated to disclose your personal information. These include but are not limited to the following: (1) concern you pose a serious risk to yourself or a serious imminent risk to another (2) you disclose a child is being abused/at risk of harm (3) you disclose that a health professional sexually abused or sexually harassed you (4) If court ordered to release a client file.
Can I attend a session when I am out of town?? If you can secure a private, quiet space with appropriate technology/ internet bandwidth, you are welcome to attend your session as long as the following requirement is met: you must be physically located in your home province of Ontario or BC. If you are located elsewhere, such as out of country, you will not be able to attend the session.